Ford is working on extended range EV trucks, SUVs

Back in August last year, Ford announced its switch in focus from EVs to hybrid vehicles to broaden its electrification strategy and reach a wider customer base. It’s a move that has also reflected on Ford’s plans for the Philippine market as they plan to bring electrified models to the country starting this year.

As the brand reported its fourth quarter and its full year financial results for 2024 at Wall Street, Ford CEO Jim Farley has hinted which hybrids are they working on for their lineup of passenger SUVs and pick up trucks – the Blue Oval is working on introducing extended range electric vehicle technology.

For those not in the know, extended range EVs are hybrids that make use of an internal combustion engine to charge the batteries that power the electric motor connected to the wheels. Much like what Nissan did with the Kicks e-power, the engine does not directly power the axles, and works solely as a generator.

Under this setup, Ford can have its vehicles cover long distances without needing large battery packs while giving the electric experience sans the range anxiety. Farley says the EREV technology is a great solution for large passenger SUVs and pickup trucks.

While Farley is yet to share which Ford will get first dibs on EREV technology, it looks like the F-150 could be the one that would benefit most with this powertrain. Available in the full EV lightning version and the traditional hybrid with a PowerBoost V6, an F-150 EREV could be Ford’s answer to Ram as the 1500 Ramcharger is due to be out this year as the first EREV truck from an American pickup truck brand.

Source: Car and Driver